Sled, tray, and shelf assembly for computer data center

ABSTRACT

An arrangement for mounting and supporting a plurality of cylindrical form or other computer systems, for example Apple Mac Pro cylindrical form computer systems, in a data center so as to optimize cooling air flow, access to cabling, and maximized use of space. A plurality of shelf assemblies is mounted to a computer center rack. Each shelf assembly comprises a tray that supports a pair of slidable sleds. Each sled supports a cylindrical form computer enclosure in an axially horizontal configuration, and includes a sled face that exposes a top surface of a computer enclosure. Air flow perforations in the sled face direct air into the space behind the sled face and across a mounted computer enclosure. The tray and sled provides a convenient arrangement for power and communications cabling, as well as directs a cooling air flow through openings in the trays and sleds upwardly across computer enclosures.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/794,659, filed Oct. 26, 2017, entitled “SLED, TRAY, AND SHELFASSEMBLY FOR COMPUTER DATA CENTER”, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,327,351, whichclaims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of, and priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/412,899, filed Oct. 26, 2016,entitled “SLED, TRAY, AND SHELF ASSEMBLY FOR COMPUTER DATA CENTER”,which is incorporated herein by reference as set forth herein in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of storing andorganizing large scale computer systems.

BACKGROUND

Computer data centers are facilities that contain racks or shelves ofcomputer systems and their associated components such as power suppliesand telecommunications systems. Large data centers house hundreds, oftenthousands, of separate computers, which are connected for communicationswith computers in the data center and with telecommunication networkssuch as the Internet, thereby forming the essential infrastructure of“cloud computing.” The racks of computers often extend from floor toceiling, mounted atop hollow flooring structures called plenums thatroute cooling air to the various racks, with heat removal ventspositioned above the racks. A facility housing thousands of computersuses many kilowatts of electricity and generates large amounts of heatthat must be removed so that the computers can operate within theirspecified ranges of operating temperatures.

Space, cooling, power cabling, and communications cabling requirementsare therefore critical for modern data centers. Floor space in terms ofsquare feet footprint per rack and height requirements for each rack ofcomputers are limited, so as to provide required cooling air and powerrequirements, as well as security within physical cages andaccessibility for configuration and maintenance.

One particular type of computer that is popular for certain computingapplications is the APPLE® Mac Pro, manufactured by Apple, Inc.,Cupertino, Calif. The Mac Pro is considered a workstation or servercomputer but does not include a display, keyboard, or mouse. Althoughthe Mac Pro computer is not typically considered to be a data centertype computer device, it possesses certain features that make itdesirable for deployment in data centers.

For example, the Mac Pro computer's processor and associated internalperipheral circuitry make it highly suitable for hosting developmentenvironments for the APPLE® computing infrastructure and environment,which is built around the OS X operating system (and expected successorsto OS X) for enterprise and personal computing, and the iOS operatingsystem for mobile devices from Apple, Inc., such as the iPhone and iPad.Other conventional types of computer systems, because they lack theunique circuitry and components of the Apple computing environment, arenot readily capable of running OS X or certain iOS developmentplatforms. Thus, the Mac Pro computer is highly capable of serving datacenter needs for conventional data center computing requirements, aswell as specialized service to the OS X and iOS development communities.

In contrast, however, the cylindrical form of the Mac Pro computer isnot readily suitable for deployment in data centers that typically housea number of standard computer housings or enclosures called a “rackunit”. A typical rack unit is 19 inches wide by 1.75 inches high (withsometimes varying depths), which is considered a “1U”. The Mac Procomputer is manufactured in a cylindrical form that is configured to beoriented in an upright position, which minimizes the footprint of theMac Pro computer on a desk. The cylindrical Mac Pro computer is not astandard “U” type enclosure or housing and thus presents certainmounting configuration challenges.

Further, the Mac Pro computer is manufactured with one internal thermalcore at its center and a single fan positioned at its top end (whenoriented upright) that draws air up through the bottom end of the MacPro computer, past the thermal core, and out the top of the Mac Procomputer. Finally, the Mac Pro computer is manufactured with one panelcontaining controls and communication and power ports for the Mac Procomputer, which extends axially along an arc on the circumference of thecylindrical form.

As a result of increasing demand by the OS X and iOS developers'community, there is a need for a data center that can efficiently housecomputer systems that can provide OS X-compatible hosting environments,as well as other cloud-based computing requirements. The presentdisclosure relates to a highly space and thermal-efficient data centercomputer rack mounting arrangement that provides for maximized usage ofcomputer enclosures that are not standard “U” type configurations, suchas Mac Pro computers.

Examples of computer center data racks that house Mac Pro and Mac minicomputers are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,756,765 and 9,763,354 andD761,246 and D762,217, which are owned by the same assignee as thepresent application. The present disclosure provides certain novel andnonobvious improvements and enhancements to the computer center dataracks disclosed in these patents.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Briefly described, and according to one embodiment, aspects of thepresent disclosure generally relate to a small form factorself-contained computer mounting arrangement that allows horizontallymounting Mac Pro computers in individual cylindrical form enclosures.Each Mac Pro computer is mounted in a single cylindrical form enclosure,with a plurality of such enclosures on a shelf, with a plurality ofshelves on a rack. The combination of enclosures on a shelf and multiplestacked shelves form a rack.

Briefly described, and according to another embodiment, aspects of thepresent disclosure generally relate to a small form factorself-contained computer mounting arrangement that allows horizontallymounting Mac Pro computers on a sled and tray style assembly. Each MacPro computer rests on a sled and each tray contains two sleds. Thecombination of sleds on a tray form a shelf assembly, and multiplestacked shelf assemblies form a rack. The sled design allows for asingle computer to be pulled in an outward position for enhancedaccessibility and convenient arrangements for power and communicationscabling.

These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the claimedinvention(s) will become apparent from the following detailed writtendescription of the preferred embodiments and aspects taken inconjunction with the following drawings, although variations andmodifications thereto may be effected without departing from the spiritand scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and/oraspects of the disclosure and, together with the written description,serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Wherever possible,the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer tothe same or like elements of an embodiment, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a data center mounting rack,according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the data center mounting rack as shownin FIG. 1 with an upper-leftmost sled pulled in an outward position,according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the disclosed data center mounting rack.

FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of the disclosed data center mounting rack.

FIG. 5 is a right elevation view of the disclosed data center mountingrack.

FIG. 6 is a left elevation view of the disclosed data center mountingrack.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the disclosed data center mounting rack.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a shelf assembly, containing a tray andtwo sleds.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the shelf assembly as shown in FIG. 8,with the leftmost sled pulled in an outward position.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a shelf assembly containing a tray and twosleds.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of a shelf assembly.

FIG. 12 is a left elevation view of a shelf assembly.

FIG. 13 is a right elevation view of a shelf assembly.

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a shelf assembly.

FIG. 15 is a rear plan view of a shelf assembly.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a tray, according to an aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a tray.

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of a tray.

FIG. 19 is a left elevation view of a tray.

FIG. 20 is a right elevation view of a tray.

FIG. 21 is a front plan view of a tray.

FIG. 22 is a rear plan view of a tray.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a sled, according to an aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of a sled.

FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of a sled.

FIG. 26 is a right elevation view of a sled.

FIG. 27 is a left elevation view of a sled.

FIG. 28 is a rear plan view of a sled.

FIG. 29 is a front plan view of a sled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended; anyalterations and further modifications of the described or illustratedembodiments, and any further applications of the principles of thedisclosure as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normallyoccur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. Alllimitations of scope should be determined in accordance with and asexpressed in the claims.

One aspect of the present disclosure generally relates to a cylindricalform computer mounting arrangement which allows mounting of up to 2 MacPro computers or similar devices on a single shelf, up to 6 shelves, fora total of up to 12 Mac Pro computers in a single rack assembly, withslide-out accessibility and convenient arrangements for power andcommunications cabling, as well as generally vertical cooling air flow.

These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the claimedinvention(s) will become apparent from the following detailed writtendescription of the preferred embodiments and aspects taken inconjunction with the following drawings, although variations andmodifications thereto may be effected without departing from the spiritand scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

Now referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a data center mountingrack 100 in accordance with this disclosure, perspective view, frontside, populated with 12 Mac Pro computers 101 (shown in phantom) eachmounted on a shelf assembly 102, each shelf assembly comprising ahorizontal tray 104 supporting a pair of slidable sleds 106 a, 106 b,each having a front face 108. According to one embodiment, a single datacenter mounting rack 100 may hold 12 Mac Pro computers 101 oriented witheach axis parallel to the plane of the tray 104. In various embodiments,the data center mounting rack comprises a plurality of racks and shelfassemblies spaced equidistant from each other within a data center. Aswill be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the numberof racks and shelf assemblies (and height of the data center mountingrack) may be modified to accommodate the requirements of the datacenter. For example, in one embodiment, a data center mounting rack maycomprise 6-8 shelf assemblies (and therefore may hold up to 12-16 MacPro computers), and a collection of racks may be provided side by side.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the shelf assemblies 102may be spaced far enough apart to provide for adequate airflow betweenthe Mac Pro computers 101 (e.g., sufficient airflow to keep the Mac Procomputers operating within their optimal temperature range). As will beappreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, if the Mac Procomputers are not cooled adequately, then they will overheat and operateinefficiently, which, considering the one internal thermal core andsingle fan, may happen very easily. In one embodiment, the shelves areconfigured to accommodate for airflow from within the interior of therack through the Mac Pro and out towards the exterior of the rack. Invarious embodiments, the shelves may be spaced far enough apart toprovide adequate space for the various cables (e.g., power, network,etc.) that are necessary to operate the Mac Pro computers as servers. Inone embodiment, the cables connect to the side of the Mac Pro computers,run out the back of the cylindrical form enclosures, and run in themiddle space of the shelves and out the holes in the sides of the datacenter mounting rack.

Generally, in various embodiments, each sled 106 is large enough for aMac Pro computer to sit, on its side, completely supported on the sled.In various embodiments, the sled 106 also houses and supports a networkadapter 105 (e.g., universal fibre channel adapter, etc.) sits. In oneembodiment, the universal fibre channel adapter permits the Mac Procomputer to access more power, commercially available storage areanetworks (e.g., SAN arrays provided by NetApps or EMC) than would beavailable through its proprietary on-board adapter. In variousembodiments, each sled 106 is large enough to hold, in addition to a MacPro and a network adapter, all of the additional cables necessary tooperate the Mac Pro as a server (e.g., power adapters, network cables,etc.). According to one embodiment, the sled 106 includes ports forconnecting the network adapter to a network and for providing power tothe network adapter and Mac Pro computer.

According to various embodiments, the sideways orientation of the MacPro computer (with the axis parallel to the plane of a shelf assembly102) enables a rack of shelf assemblies to hold more Mac Pro computerswithin a given space considering the thermal dissipation demands of theMac Pro computers. According to one embodiment, the arrangement isdesigned to minimize the impact of the inefficient use of vertical spacein the Mac Pro computer and the single fan that draws airflow from thebottom of the Mac Pro computer through to the top.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in various embodiments, the front face 108(e.g., outward facing with respect to the shelf assembly 102) of eachsled 106 includes openings to promote airflow around the computer andnetwork adapter and permit access to the controls of the network adapterand a to promote airflow around the Mac Pro computer. According tovarious embodiments, the back (e.g., inward facing with respect to theshelf assembly 102) of each sled 106 is completely open to promoteairflow around the network adapter and Mac Pro computer.

In one embodiment, a pair of resting supports run the length of anopening on the bottom each sled 106 and extend upwardly therefrom.Generally, the resting supports provide two points of contact on which aMac Pro computer sits. As will be appreciated by one having ordinaryskill in the art, these resting supports prevent the Mac Pro computerfrom moving while also limiting the amount of contact with the surfaceof the Mac Pro computer, which are challenges unique to the cylindricalform of the Mac Pro computer. Generally, increased contact with thesurface of the Mac Pro computer results in decreased temperature controlbecause of residual heat in the metal of the enclosure and decreasedairflow around the Mac Pro computer.

In particular, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary assembleddata center mounting rack 100 including six shelf assemblies 102 withcylindrical computers 101 (shown in phantom) such a Mac Pro and portexpansion chassis 105 (also shown in phantom), in a particularembodiment. In accordance with the present disclosure, each shelfassembly 102 includes at least one tray 104 and two identical slidablesleds 106 positioned side by side, e.g. 106 a, 106 b. At least onecylindrical form computer 101, coupled with at least one expansionchassis 105, may horizontally rest on a sled 106, and a pair of sleds106 a, 106 b rests on a tray 104. Each shelf assembly 102 is mounted toa rack frame 110, to constitute a complete mounting rack 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rack assembly 100 shown in FIG. 13A, showing a sled106′ in an extended configuration with the computer 101 exposed foraccess. In this embodiment, the extended sled 106′ is assuming anoutward position that permits easier maintenance of an enclosedcylindrical form computer 101, networking and power cables, and anaccompanying port expansion chassis 105. In various embodiments, a sledright side rail (or rib) 209 is exposed when a sled 106′ is moved intoan outward, extended position. A corresponding sled left side rail (orrib) 211 (shown in phantom) is provided on the opposite side of the sled106. In some embodiments, the sled side rails 209, 211 provide supportto the structure of the sled 106, and/or may enhance the ability to pulla sled 106 to the outward position, such as sled 106′.

Turning to FIG. 3, the exemplary assembled data center mounting rack100, including six shelf assemblies 102 with cylindrical computer 101and port expansion chassis 105 in phantom, is shown in a front planview. In one embodiment, the cylindrical form computers 101 housed inthe exemplary data center mounting rack 100 are positioned so that oneend of a cylindrical form computer 101 may rest adjacent to amostly-circular opening 302 in a sled face 108. In various embodiments,the radius of the mostly-circular opening 302 is at least slightlysmaller than the radius of the cylindrical form computer 101. In oneembodiment, this difference in radius between the mostly-circularopening 302 and the cylindrical form computer 101 may allow for thecylindrical form computer 101 to be pushed adjacent to themostly-circular opening 302 without extending through the opening, forexample to facilitate air flow from the top of the computer 101. As willbe discussed later, the mostly-circular opening 302 is not fullycircular for utility reasons regarding airflow and efficientmanufacturing.

Continuing with FIG. 3, in various embodiments, rows of perforated airholes 306 occupy the surface area of the sled face 108 to the left andright of the mostly-circular opening 302. In the present embodiment,thirteen rows of perforated air holes 306 occupy the surface area to theleft and right of the mostly-circular opening 302. These rows ofperforated air holes 306 promote air flow from inside the exemplaryassembled data center mounting rack 100 to the outside environment,which aids in maintaining an appropriate operating temperature for anycylindrical form computers 101 and expansion chassis 105 held therein.In various embodiments, more or fewer perforated air holes 306 thanshown in the present embodiment may occupy the surface area of the sledface 108, allowing more or less air flow through the holes in order tomeet certain engineering constraints.

Continuing further with FIG. 3, tray securement tabs 308 are providedfor at least partially securing the shelf assemblies 102 to the frame110 of the exemplary assembled data center mounting rack 100. As will bediscussed below, the shelf assemblies 102 are at least partially securedto a data center mounting rack frame 110 via the tray securement tabs308, located at least on both the front and rear sides of each tray 104,according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of the exemplary assembled data centermounting rack 100 in one particular embodiment. According to one aspect,a port connector tab 402 is shown for accommodating the wire and cableports of an expansion chassis 105 associated with a circular formcomputer 101. An expansion chassis 105 is typically provided for powerand data connections to electronic components housed in the exemplaryassembled data center mounting rack 100. In various embodiments, theport connector tab 402 is positioned adjacent to a side rail (not shown)of a sled 106. The port connector tab 402 adjacent to the left side railof a sled 106 allows for easier handling of wires (e.g., power,networking, etc.) or may simplify the manufacturing process of each sled106. In some embodiments, two sleds 106 may be secured in an inwardposition by a pin connector 404. A pair of sleds 106 may be locked in aninward position with a pin connector 404 to hold the sleds 106stationary to a tray 104 if maintaining the wiring or other hardware ona sled 106. Also, as will be discussed below, locking a plurality ofsleds 106 in an inward position with the pin connector 404 ensures thatthe cylindrical form computers 101 are positioned above air vents thatmay promote laminar flow of air through the computer rack 100 forcooling purposes.

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of an exemplary assembled datacenter mounting rack 100. In one embodiment, a tray left side rail (orrib) 211 extends horizontally across from the front to the rear of atray 104 of exemplary assembled data center mounting rack 100. Invarious embodiments, a portion of a sled left side rail (or rib) 211 isseen extending upwardly above the highest portion of a tray right siderail 502. As will be discussed more fully below, the sled left side rail211 is vertically higher than the sled right side rail 209. In thepresent embodiment, the sled right side rail 209 is positioned behindthe tray side rail 502 and is therefore not seen in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view of an exemplary assembled datacenter mounting rack 100. In the embodiment shown, the sled left siderail 211 is shown extending vertically above the highest portion of thetray side rail 502. In various embodiments, the sled left side rail 211of a sled 106 may extend to about twice the height of the highestportion of the tray side rail 502.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an exemplary assembled shelf assembly 102of an exemplary data center mounting rack 100, in accordance with thepresent disclosure. In one embodiment, representations of twocylindrical computers 101 (in phantom) coupled with two port expansionchassis 105 (in phantom) are seen on two sleds 106. According to oneaspect, the sleds 106 are secured in an inward position by the pinconnector 404. In the embodiment shown, the pin connector 404 secures asled's left or right side rail, 209 or 211, to a central tray spine (orrib) 702. As will be discussed below, the tray spine 702 is secured tothe tray 104 and provides structural support for the tray 104 as well asallow for the sled 106 to be secured by the pin connector 404. Invarious embodiments, a cable management area 704 is located behind therepresentation of the port expansion chassis 105. In this particularembodiment, a plurality (27 as shown, in three rows of nine)spaced-apart obround holes 706 are punched in the cable management area704; however, it should be understood that there could be more or lessholes in other embodiments depending on certain utility constraints. Insome embodiments, the obround shape of the holes 706 promote laminarflow of cooled air through the shelf assemblies 102. In otherembodiments, the size of the obround holes 706 may allow for differenttypes of cables to be threaded through the shelves (e.g., power cables,USB cables, networking cables, etc.) and held in place by cable ties orwraps (not shown).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a single shelf assembly 102, inaccordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. In one embodiment,a shelf assembly 102 includes at least one tray 104 and at least twosleds 106. In various embodiments, at least one cylindrical formcomputer 101, coupled with at least one expansion chassis 105,horizontally rests on a sled 106, and each sled 106 rests on a tray 104.

FIG. 9 shows an aspect of a shelf assembly 102 substantially similar tothat shown in FIG. 8, represented with a sled 106′ pulled to an outward,extended position, revealing a rear portion of the tray 104. In theshown configuration, the extended sled 106′ oriented in the outwardposition allows for easier maintenance of an enclosed cylindrical formcomputer 101, networking and power cables, and port expansion chassis105. In this view, the sled right side rail 209 is exposed when the sled106′ is oriented in the extended outward position, with the sled leftside rail 211 shown on the opposite side. In some embodiments, the sledside rails 209, 211 provide support to the structure of the sled 106,and/or enhance the ability to orient a sled 106 in an outward positionlike sled 106′.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of shelf assembly 102, in accordance with thepresent disclosure. In one embodiment, the ends of the tray side rails502 (front and rear) include an approximately 90 degree bend outward toform tray securement tabs 308. In various embodiments, the traysecurement tabs 308 may include holes to allow for a securementinstrument (e.g., screw, bolt, clip, etc.) to be positioned though thehole. If installed on a data center mounting rack frame 110, the traysecurement tabs 308 may align with substantially similar holes on thedata center mounting rack frame 110 (not shown in FIG. 10). In variousembodiments, the securement instruments mentioned above may bepositioned through both sets of holes on the tray securement tabs 308and the data center mounting rack frame 110 in order to secure theassembled shelf 102 in one position on the data center mounting rackframe 110.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of an assembled shelf assembly 102, whichmainly shows the underside of a tray 104. According to one aspect, twopairs of rows parallel oriented, spaced apart air vents 1102 are seenbelow where a circular form computer 101 (not visible) may behorizontally positioned on the opposite (upper) side of the tray 104.The air vents 1102 include an elongated obround shape and continuedownward for a portion of the length of the tray 104. In one embodiment,the shelf assembly 102 includes two rows of fourteen each (as shown)spaced apart tray air vents 1102 underneath where each circular formcomputer 101 may be horizontally resting, totaling fifty-six tray airvents in total. The elongated obround shape of the tray air vents 1102promote air flow through the exemplary data center mounting rack 100 soas to guide heat away from circular form computers 101 and expansionchassis 105 held therein. In various embodiments, the shelf assembly 102may include more or less than fifty-six total tray air vents 1102 andthe shape of the air vents may assume other shapes, not limited toelongated obround, depending on the particular engineering constraintsof the application.

Continuing with FIG. 11, two lateral tray support cross bars 1104, 1106are shown. According to an aspect, the tray support cross bars 1104,1106 stretch across the width of the tray 104. In various embodiments,one support cross bar 1104 may positioned along a front lip of the tray104 and the other bar may be positioned underneath the region havingspaced apart tray air vents 1102 described above. The tray support crossbars 1104, 1106, in various embodiments, add structural support to theshelf assembly 102 if a substantial amount of the weight from thecircular form computers 101 are positioned towards the front of the tray104.

FIG. 12 is a left side elevation view of a shelf assembly 102, inaccordance with the present disclosure. In one aspect, the sled leftside rail 211 includes a triangular tab 1202 at the end portion of thesled left side rail 211. In this particular aspect, the triangular tab1202 linearly increases in vertical height until it reaches its largestvertical height at the end portion of the sled left side rail 211. Thislinear increase in vertical height of the triangular tab 1202 allows forincreased surface area at the end portion of the sled left side rail211. In other embodiments, the triangular tab 1202 may increase in otherways that are not linear (e.g., exponential, stepwise, etc.). Accordingto one aspect, the end portion of the sled left side rail 211 is bent toform a port connector tab 402. The sled left side rail 211 extends abovethe height of the tray side rail 211 of the tray 104.

Continuing with FIG. 12, the end profiles of the tray support cross bars1104, 1106 are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In various embodiments, the tray support cross bars 1104,1106 may be rectangular shaped and spaced apart. The shape and spacingof the tray support cross bars 1104, 1106 may increase the effectivenessof the cross bars in supporting the contents of the exemplary assembledshelf assembly 102.

FIG. 13 is a right side elevation view of a shelf assembly 102. As canbe seen, the sled left side rail 211 is visible and extends above theheight of the tray side rail 502 of the tray 104.

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a shelf assembly 102, according to anaspect of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the shelf assembly102 includes at least two sleds 106 a, 106 b on a tray 104. In theembodiment shown, perforated air holes 306 are positioned along the leftand right sides of the sled face 108. In various embodiments, theperforated air holes 306 at least partially surround the shape ofmostly-circular opening 302 in the sled face 108. In the embodimentshown, the top two and bottom two rows of perforated air holes 306include one more hole than the nine other intermediate rows. Theadditional holes included in the upper and lower two rows occupy thevacant surface area on the sled face 108 resulting from the shape of themostly-circular opening 302. In some embodiments, the perforated airholes 306 allow for air to flow from inside the space defined by thesled 106 out into the external environment. In other embodiments, theremay be more or fewer perforated holes 306 than shown, depending on thesize of the perforated holes, the amount of available surface area, andother airflow and/or cooling design constraints.

Still referring to FIG. 14, the tray securement tabs 308 and traysecurement tab holes are shown. According to an aspect, the traysecurement tabs 308 are a rectangular shape and are oriented vertically.The tray securement tabs 308 may include different shapes andorientations in order to better align with a data center mounting rackframe 110 (not shown). In some embodiments, the tray securement tabs 308include three tray securement tab holes 1402 for securement instruments(fasteners) to be positioned through. However, it should be understoodthat in other embodiments the tray securement tabs 308 may include moreor fewer tray securement tab holes 1402, as appropriate for thatparticular embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a rear plan view of a single shelf assembly 102, according toan aspect of the disclosure. As mentioned above, in various embodiments,the sled left side rail 211 of each sled 106 bends inward at anapproximately 90 degree angle to form a port connector tab 402. The bentportion of the sled left side rail 211 is of a sufficient size toinclude at least the port connectors to an expansion chassis 105 and acylindrical form computer 101. In other embodiments, a moresubstantially sized portion of the sled left side rail 211 may be bentin order to allow for more port sockets to reside on the port connectortab 402.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a single tray 104, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. According to one aspect, the tray104 includes a flat surface, separated into at least two sections by acentral tray spine 702 that extends the length of the tray. The trayspine 702 is secured to and extends vertically from the base of the tray104. In various embodiments, the tray spine 702 includes a pin connectorhole 1602. In one embodiment, the pin connector hole 1602 is largeenough in diameter to accept a pin connector 404 (not shown). In someembodiments, the pin connector hole 1602 coupled with the pin connector404 secures a pair of sleds 106 to a tray spine 702, in position on atray 104.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a single tray 104, according to one aspectof the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of a tray 104, in accordance with oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are side elevation views of a tray 104, in accordancewith one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a front plan view of a tray 104, in accordance with oneaspect of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the tray spine702 and at least one tray side rail 502 include a sled securement lip2102, 2104, respectively. A sled securement lip 2102, 2104 may be a bendat the upper most portion of a tray spine 702 or at the upper mostportion of a tray side rail 502. In some embodiments, sled securementlips 2102, 2104 may prevent a sled 106 from being vertically removed orlimit a sled 106 to a horizontal sliding motion. In other embodiments,the sled securement lips 2102, 2104 guide the sled 106 if maneuvered inor out of the tray 104.

FIG. 22 is a rear plan view of a tray 104, in accordance with one aspectof the present disclosure. In various embodiments, a tray 104 includes arear tray lip 2202. A rear tray lip 2202 may be a downward bent portionof the tray 104. In one embodiment, a rear tray lip 2202 may includerounded edges and allow for cables (e.g., networking, data, power, etc.)to hang over the lip without getting caught on a sharp or jagged edge.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a single slidable sled 106, in oneparticular embodiment. In various embodiments, the base or bottomsurface of the sled 106 includes a rectangular opening 2302 above whicha circular form computer 101 (not shown) would rest in a horizontalorientation. In one embodiment, extending upwardly from at least one ofthe sides of the rectangular opening 2302 are a pair of circular formcomputer mounting rails 2304. In some embodiments, a circular formcomputer 101 rests horizontally on the mounting rails 2304, therebysecuring and supporting a circular form computer 101 and preventing itfrom moving in a sled 106. As alluded to earlier, the mostly-circularopening 302 is not fully-circular at least partially due to therectangular opening 2302. In various embodiments, the bottom portion ofthe mostly-circular opening 302 may be removed to allow for easiermanufacturing and also for allowing for increased air flow out of thesled face 108.

The port connector tab 402 and its associated port connector openingsare seen as formed from a bent portion of the sled left side rail 211.The sled left side rail 209 is seen as not extending vertically as highas the sled left side rail 211.

FIG. 24 shows a top plan view of a sled 106, according to one aspect ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 25 shows a bottom plan view of a sled 106, according to one aspectof the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 shows a right elevation view of a sled 106, according to oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 shows a left elevation view of a sled 106, according to oneaspect of the present disclosure,

FIG. 28 shows a rear plan view of a sled 106, according to one aspect ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 29 shows a front plan view of a sled 106, according to one aspectof the present disclosure.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the spacing of thecylindrical form enclosures, dimensions and spacing of the staggeredopenings for air flow in between the cylindrical form enclosures,spacing of the shelves relative to each other, openings in side panelsfor cabling of communications and power, slide-in mounting arrangement,side-panel mounting for power and telecommunications components, frontand rear accessibility for dual side mounting of computers, allcontribute to a novel and nonobvious arrangement for cylindrical formdata center computers such as Mac Pros, in a highly optimalconfiguration to include as many computers as possible given a floorfootprint, cabling access and routing, and cooling air flow capabilityto maintain the array within specified operating temperatures in thedata center.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments has beenpresented only for the purposes of illustration and description and isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventions to the preciseforms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in lightof the above teaching.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain theprinciples of the inventions and their practical application so as toenable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions and variousembodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which the present inventionspertain without departing from their spirit and scope. Accordingly, thescope of the present inventions is defined by the appended claims ratherthan the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments describedtherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data center mounting rack for mounting andsupporting a plurality of computer enclosures and port expansionchassises in a stacked arrangement, comprising: a shelving arrangementcomprising a plurality of spaced apart vertical end supports supportinga plurality of horizontal mounting trays, each of the horizontalmounting trays supporting at least a pair of computer enclosures; eachof the horizontal mounting trays including one or more rows of firstopenings positioned at a proximal end of each horizontal mounting trayfor permitting cooling air flow in a vertical direction, said firstopenings positioned in a pair of spaced apart computer enclosuremounting regions positioned immediately below one of said computerenclosures when mounted above the first openings; each of the horizontalmounting trays including one or more rows of second openings positionedat a distal end of each horizontal mounting tray for permitting coolingair flow in a vertical direction through the horizontal mounting tray; acentral dividing rib extending along the length of each horizontalmounting tray, dividing the spaced apart computer enclosure mountingregions; attachment surfaces affixed to each horizontal mounting tray,for attaching each horizontal mounting tray to the vertical endsupports; at least one slidably-removable horizontal sled for supportingone of said computer enclosures in a slidable arrangement relative to ahorizontal mounting tray, each horizontal sled capable of assuming aclosed position for operation and an open position positioned outwardlyof the proximal end of said horizontal mounting tray to allow access toa supported computer enclosure and/or port expansion chassis mounted tothe horizontal sled; each horizontal sled comprising a generally planarlower surface, a vertically extending sled face at a proximal end thatincludes an opening for exposing a portion of a supported computerenclosure, a pair of elongate edge ribs extending along the length ofeach horizontal sled; and each horizontal sled further including atleast one support rail positioned in a central region of the horizontalsled, for supporting one of said computer enclosures and for defining anopening in the horizontal sled that is positioned immediately above thefirst openings of one of the computer enclosure mounting regions of ahorizontal mounting tray when a horizontal sled is in the closedposition, for facilitating the flow of air through the first openingsand around a computer enclosure supported on the at least one supportrail mounted to the horizontal sled.
 2. The data center mounting rack ofclaim 1, wherein the computer enclosures are cylindrical form computersystems.
 3. The data center mounting rack of claim 2, wherein thecylindrical form computer systems are Apple® Mac Pro® brand ofcylindrical form computers.
 4. The data center mounting rack of claim 2,wherein each computer enclosure is mounted to a horizontal sled with thecentral axis of said computer enclosure in a horizontal orientation. 5.The data center mounting rack of claim 1, wherein the sled face includesplurality of perforated air holes positioned on either side of theopening for allowing the entry of cooling air into a space behind thesled face and directed across a surface of a computer enclosuresupported on said horizontal sled.
 6. The data center mounting rack ofclaim 1, further comprising a pair of elongate mounting edge ribsextending along each outer edge of each horizontal mounting tray.
 7. Thedata center mounting rack of claim 6, wherein the attachment surfacesare affixed to the elongate mounting edge ribs of each horizontalmounting tray for attaching each horizontal mounting tray to thevertical end supports.
 8. The data center mounting rack of claim 1,wherein each horizontal sled further includes a first elongate edge ribincluding a port connector tab for supporting electrical connectors ofone of said port expansion chassises mounted to a horizontal sled.